Jennylyn Mercado has chosen not to respond to the recent statements of former partner Patrick Garcia about their relationship and breakup nearly two decades ago.
In a statement released through Aguila Entertainment and sent to The Philippine STAR Entertainment on Wednesday, the actress said she would not comment or grant interviews regarding Patrick’s revelations in his recent interview with Ogie Diaz.
“Our artist, Jennylyn Mercado, will not comment or grant any interviews regarding Patrick Garcia’s statements on Ogie Diaz’s YouTube channel,” the statement read.
Patrick recently shared his version of what happened between him and Jennylyn after she became pregnant with their son Jazz in 2008. Among the issues he addressed was the long-standing claim that he had abandoned Jennylyn during her pregnancy.
“No, that’s not true! Hindi ko iniwanan si Jen,” Patrick said, while acknowledging that he was not present during much of her pregnancy. He claimed in the interview that this was because Jennylyn did not want him involved at the time.
Patrick said one reason he finally decided to speak about their past after 18 years was the online bashing being received by his 13-year-old daughter Michelle, his eldest child with wife Nikka Martinez.
According to Patrick, Michelle had approached him after seeing negative comments whenever good news about her was posted online. He recalled his daughter asking him, “Daddy, why don’t you tell your story? What really happened between you and your past?”
Patrick said he warned Michelle that telling his side might not necessarily stop the criticism and could even make matters worse.
Michelle, however, reportedly told him, “Daddy, it’s okay, as long as they know the truth.”
Jennylyn, for her part, said she would rather not share her own version of what happened.
“Everyone is entitled to share their story on whatever platform they choose. In this case, Jennylyn would rather not share her side of the story out of respect for the privacy and peace of mind of both her family and Patrick’s,” her statement read.
She also specifically appealed to the public to leave Patrick’s family out of the controversy.
“Jennylyn asks the public to stop the hate and refrain from bashing Patrick’s family, especially his daughter, Michelle.”
“Rest assured that Jennylyn and her son, Jazz, are living a good and happy life with her husband, Dennis, daughter Dylan, and stepson Calix. Thank you,” the statement ended.
